Reps. Kiggans and Goodlander Introduce Bipartisan WINGS Act to Study Long-Term Brain Health of Military Aviators

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02) and Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (D-NH-02) introduced the bipartisan Warrior Impact from Neurological and G-Force Stress (WINGS) Act, legislation that directs a comprehensive study into the long-term brain health and mental wellness of America's military aviators.

This bill was inspired by deeply personal stories from, wives, mothers, and families, who have come forward to share the heartbreak of losing a loved one to suicide or watching a loved one quietly battle symptoms like chronic pain, memory lapses, or emotional changes after years of high-intensity flying. While these issues may not affect every aviator, our servicemembers and their families deserve clarity about the potential long-term effects of military flying.

"I've had too many military wives come to me, devastated and desperate, after their husbands returned from deployment only to spiral into depression or take their own lives," said Congresswoman Kiggans. "These were pilots. Warriors. Husbands and fathers. And they were struggling with something invisible, something we didn't catch in time.

This may not be affecting everyone, but for those families, for those families left behind, we have a duty to ask the hard questions. We owe it to them to find out why. We owe it to them to look deeper into how repeated exposure to flying, high G-forces, and the intense stress of aviation service might be affecting mental health.

The WINGS Act will help us better understand how the intense physical and psychological stress of flying may affect long-term brain health and mental wellbeing."

While the Department of Defense has examined specific in-flight hazards in the past, no comprehensive, longitudinal study has been done to assess how years of exposure to G-forces, cockpit strain, and high-stress missions may contribute to neurological symptoms, chronic pain, or even suicide risk. A recent investigative report revealed that multiple elite Navy pilots died by suicide after experiencing symptoms linked to possible cumulative brain trauma, further underscoring the urgent need for action.

"The brave women and men who serve our country as aviators go to the extremes to keep our nation safe. They test the boundaries of what is possible, and we owe these American heroes a sacred obligation," said Congresswoman Goodlander. "I'm proud to introduce the WINGS Act alongside Congresswoman Kiggans to ensure we fully understand the long-term brain and mental health impact of service on America's military aviators and ensure our servicemembers and veterans get the care they deserve." The WINGS Act lays the groundwork for smarter flight medicine, better mental health support, and policy reforms that prioritize both mission readiness and long-term aviator health.

"The American Legion fully supports the Warrior Impact from Neurological and G-Force Stress Act, introduced by Representative Kiggans. Military aviators are vital to our national defense, and this legislation addresses critical gaps in understanding the long-term physical and psychological impacts of repeated G-force exposure. Ensuring their health and readiness must remain a top priority," said American Legion National Commander James A. LaCoursiere, Jr.

Background:

• Military pilots routinely operate in high-stress, high-G environments that are suspected to contribute to cognitive impairment, mental health deterioration, and increased suicide risk.
• While prior efforts like Project Odin's Eye studied physiological impacts, they did not fully evaluate brain trauma or long-term neurological outcomes.
• As rates of pilot suicide and medical disqualification remain concerning, the WINGS Act seeks to close a critical data gap and provide decision-makers with actionable insights to protect aviator health and readiness.

This legislation specifically:

• Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a long-term study on the cognitive and psychological impacts of sustained military aviation, including G-forces and flight-related physiological stress.
• Examines the link between flight exposure and risks of traumatic brain injury (TBI), depression, PTSD, and suicide among military aviators.
• Requires evaluation of cockpit design elements-such as helmets, oxygen systems, and pressurized suits-and their effects on neurocognitive health.
• Establishes a centralized Military Aviator Neurohealth Registry to track long-term health outcomes and support early intervention.
• Requires interim and final reports to Congress with findings, recommended improvements to flight medicine protocols, and potential changes to pilot readiness policies.
• Calls for collaboration with VA, DHA, military Surgeons General, and external experts in aviation medicine and neuroscience.